What's in a $900 Face Cream Anyway?

Ever entertained the idea of spending half your paycheck on a moisturizer? Before you hand over your plastic, find out what makes expensive creams so pricey

Luxurious on purpose: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, $425 for 1.7 ouncesThe Research: It's the 25th anniversary of the Skin Caviar collection. (Skin Caviar Dermo Beads launched in 1987, and the Luxe Cream first hit shelves in 1998.) The fascinating part of the story is the way La Prairie "discovered" caviar as an ingredient: The Creative Development Group in Switzerland liked the way it sounded. The economy was booming, and they wanted to formulate a product that would be the epitome of luxury. Naturally, they thought of caviar -- the fact that it has incredible skin care benefits was secondary.

The Ingredients: The Caviar Firming Complex stimulates collagen production -- it's all about firming and lifting. This cream is also packed with antioxidants, an alpha hydroxy acid complex, and rich moisturizers.

The Packaging: A cobalt blue and silver jar that comes with a little silver "caviar" spoon. The matching silver box is substantial -- like a gift box.

Our Take: "I've tried this one a couple of times over the years. I always feel like I'm just getting fun, pretty packaging and that it doesn't really do much other than moisturize." -- Audrey Fine, Special Projects Editor

No, no, no. ALL of these expensive creams have jar packaging. Even if these including miraculous antioxidants they would be void after exposure to oxygen. Not to mention the constant dipping your fingers into the jar exposing bacteria to the solution. The only true miracle ingredient is retinol, which you need to use meticulously, along with a hefty dosage of SPF to prevent further damage. Otherwise you need to see a plastic surgeon for more dramatic results.

Okay, I admit I love my creams but there is no way I would pay anything near nine hundred. Eating healthy and applying a good lotion and lots of water will do much more for you. Plus you will have a lot more money to go out dancing with. See, cheaper and better for you.